The competition, running until spring 2023, is open to organisations developing ambitious technologies across the satellite communications ecosystem.
It will prioritise customer needs, support sustainable growth and catalyse further investment into the UK space sector, which already employs 47,000 people.
Ideas can focus on creating entire new satellite constellations, ground systems, or delivering new services to customers and will be funded through the UK Space Agency’s leading role in the European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services (ARTES) programme.
This new funding package is announced as the Science Minister travels to Rome, Italy, in her first space-focused visit overseas to meet ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.
The meeting comes ahead of the ESA Council of Ministers (CMIN22) next month where the UK and other member states will negotiate their future contributions to ESA for priority space projects and missions.
“I am proud to be representing the UK space sector as we discuss our ambitions ahead of the ESA Council of Ministers next month,” said Nusrat Ghani. “There are a series of important programmes on the table and I want to harness opportunities in space to grow the UK economy, create jobs and inspire young people into STEM careers.
“We’re also making new funding available now to strengthen the UK’s position as a world leader in the satellite communications market and I look forward to seeing the results of the competition.”
The £15 million fund comes as a new report shows every £1 invested in ESA generates an overall return of £11.80 for the UK economy.
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